Case for Electronic Device Including Screen Cleaning Apparatus

ABSTRACT

Protective carrying cases for portable and handheld electronic devices include an integrated screen cleaning apparatus. The screen cleaning apparatus may be automatically used when a device is inserted or removed from the protective case. Alternatively, the screen cleaning apparatus may be manually activated by a user as needed. The screen cleaning apparatus is self-contained and cleans the screen and optionally other portions of the electronic device as it is at least partially within the protective case.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/419,759, filed Dec. 3, 2010, and entitled “Case for Electronic Device include Screen Cleaning Apparatus,” which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to the field of protective carrying cases for portable and handheld electronic devices. Portable and handheld electronic devices are ubiquitous. These devices include mobile telephones, smartphones, other communication devices, portable media players, electronic reading devices, tablet computers, navigation devices, and remote controls. Because these devices are subjected to a variety of conditions, many users store their devices in carrying cases to protect them from damage and to facilitate their transport.

However, these devices often acquire dirt from their surroundings and from their users. This problem is especially pronounced with devices that include touchscreens. Because touchscreen devices are frequently touched by users' fingers, they accumulate dirt and fingerprint oils. This dirt and oil can detract from the performance of devices, reduce the visibility of displays, and detract from the overall aesthetics of devices.

The accumulation of dirt and oil can be minimized by frequent cleaning of devices. Currently, devices are typically cleaned with separate cleaning supplies such as cleaning fabrics and cleaning solutions. However, users are often hesitant to carry cleaning supplies with them in addition to their devices. Thus, devices are typically cleaned infrequently, to the detriment of the users' experiences with their devices.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention include protective carrying cases for portable and handheld electronic devices that include an integrated screen cleaning apparatus. In an embodiment, the screen cleaning apparatus may be automatically used when a device is inserted or removed from the protective case. In another embodiment, the screen cleaning apparatus may be manually activated by a user as needed. In both of these embodiments, the screen cleaning apparatus is self-contained and operated within the protective case.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A and 1B illustrates a sleeve-style case according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate a book-style case according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate screen cleaning wiper assemblies according to embodiments of the invention; and

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate screen cleaning wiper movement assemblies according to embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrates a sleeve-style case 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. Sleeve-style case 100 is adapted to closely fit over a portable electronic device 105. In this , the sleeve-style case 100 includes an opening 110 at the bottom to allow for device insertion and removal. In other examples, the opening 110 may be at the top or either side of the sleeve-style case 100. The sleeve-style case 100 may be made of flexible and/or rigid materials and may include padding to support and protect the portable electronic device 105.

Sleeve-style case 100 includes a screen cleaning wiper 115 located on the inside surface of the case 100. FIG. 1B illustrates a cross-section view of a sleeve-style case 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. In this , the screen cleaning wiper 115 is located near the sleeve opening 110. As a user inserts or removes the device 105 from the case 100, the screen of the device 105 moves into contact with and across the screen cleaning wiper 115. As this occurs, the screen cleaning wiper 115 removes dirt, dust, oils, or any other debris from the screen of the device 105. As described in detail below, the screen cleaning wiper 115 may optionally apply a cleaning fluid, such as water, a specialized glass cleaner, or isopropyl alcohol, to the screen of the device 105. In a further embodiment, multiple screen cleaning wipers may be used, for example to apply a cleaning fluid to the screen and then remove excess solution from the screen.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate a book-style case 200 according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2A illustrates a book-style case 200 in an open configuration according to an embodiment of the invention. The book style case 200 includes a front cover 205 that is attached via at least one hinge to the portable electronic device 210. The hinge enables the front cover 205 to be rotated so as to cover the screen of the device 210 in a closed configuration and to allow access to the screen of the device 210 in at least one open configuration.

In one embodiment, the device 210 is attached to a protective back cover or spine included in the book-style case 200. The back cover or spine is attached to the front cover via a hinge. In another embodiment, the device 210 is attached to or includes a hinge that is attached to the front cover 205. In further embodiments, the front cover 205 may be rotated behind the device to allow for easy handling by the user or to support the device in a more convenient orientation with respect to a user.

In an embodiment, a screen cleaning wiper 215 is attached to the inside surface of the front cover 205 of the book-style case 200, as shown in FIG. 2A. When the book-style 200 case is in the closed configuration, the screen cleaning wiper 215 faces the screen of the device.

FIG. 2B illustrates the book-style case 200 in the closed configuration. A pull tab, cord, or other user-accessible handle 220 protrudes from the outside surface of the front cover 205. When the book-style case 200 is in the closed configuration, a user may extend the pull tab 220 to move the screen cleaning wiper 215 across the screen of the device 210. In an embodiment, a user pulls the pull tab 220 in a direction away from the spine of the book-style case 200 to move the screen cleaning wiper 215 over the screen of the device 210.

FIG. 2C shows a cross-section view of the book-style case 200 according to an embodiment of the invention. In this , the screen cleaning wiper 215 has a rest position 220A near the hinge and/or spine of the book-style case. When the pull tab is extended, the screen-cleaning wiper 215 moves across the facing surface of the device 210 to an extended position 220B. The movement of the screen cleaning wiper 215 combined with the pressure exerted by the front cover on the device removes dirt, dust, oils, or any other debris from the screen of the device 210.

Alternate embodiments of the sleeve-style case, shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, may also incorporate a similar moving screen cleaning wiper, as opposed to the fixed screen cleaning wiper discussed above. In this alternate embodiment, the user extends a pull tab protruding from the outside of the sleeve case to move the screen cleaning wiper across the screen of the device.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate screen cleaning wiper movement assemblies according to embodiments of the invention. FIG. 3A illustrates a first embodiment of a screen cleaning wiper movement assembly 300. This embodiment of the screen cleaning wiper movement assembly 300 may be integrated with the front cover of an embodiment of the book-style case or an alternate embodiment of the sleeve-style case. In this embodiment of the screen cleaning wiper movement assembly 300, the pull tab 305 is connected with the screen cleaning wiper 310. Slots 315 in the case allow pull tab 305 to extend through to the outside surface of the case to be accessed by users and through to the inside surface of the case to connect with the screen cleaning wiper 310.

In an embodiment, an elastic cord or a spring 320 may be attached to the screen cleaning wiper 310 to return to the rest position when the pull tab 305 is released by the user. In a further embodiment, the elastic cord or spring 320 is pre-tensioned, so that the screen cleaning wiper 310 is held securely in the rest position when not in use.

In an embodiment, the pull tab 305 and slots 315 in the case maintain the desired orientation and path for the screen cleaning wiper 310 as it is moved across the screen of the device. In a further embodiment, the screen cleaning wiper movement assembly 300 is further guided through the use of slots or guide rails in the inside surface of the case and corresponding guide pins on the screen cleaning wiper.

It is desirable to maintain sufficient pressure on the screen cleaning wiper as it travels across the screen of the device to ensure adequate cleaning For the book-style case, the movement of the screen cleaning wiper across the screen of the device may force the front cover of the case away from the screen, thereby reducing the pressure between the screen cleaning wiper and the screen of the device. To counteract this, an embodiment of the book-style case can include a latch, closure strap, magnets, or other mechanism to hold the case in the closed configuration. By holding the case in the closed configuration, more consistent pressure is maintained between the screen cleaning wiper and the screen of the device as the wiper is moved across the screen.

FIG. 3B illustrates a second embodiment of a screen cleaning wiper movement assembly 350. In the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the pull tab is extended by the same amount as the desired displacement of the screen cleaning wiper. In some applications, it may be desirable to decrease the amount of extension of the pull tab needed for the screen cleaning wiper to travel across the screen of the device. For , it may be unwieldy for users to fully extend a pull tab to operate a screen cleaning wiper on larger devices. Thus, the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3B reduces the extension of the pull tab required to move the screen cleaning wiper across the screen.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the pull tab 355, extending through slots 357, is attached to the screen cleaning wiper 360 by at least one cord. A cord 365 is fed around a set of pins 370 as shown, which act as a block and tackle system. In an embodiment, pins 370A and 370B are attached to the case and pin 370C is attached to pull tab 355. In the of FIG. 3B, the arrangement of the cord 365 around the pins 370 provides a 2:1 displacement of the screen wiper 360 relative to the displacement of the pull tab 355. This example may be extended with additional loops of the cord around the pins to further increase the ratio of displacement. The pins may be constructed of a low friction material, such as acetal plastic, or alternatively replaced with bearings or pulleys. Multiple cords and pin sets may be used to balance the force applied to the screen cleaning wiper by the pull tab. Like example 300, an elastic cord or a spring 375 may be attached to the screen cleaning wiper 360 to return to the rest position when the pull tab 355 is released by the user.

The second embodiment of this movement assembly may implemented within a book-style or sleeve-style case in a similar manner as the first embodiment of this movement assembly and may optionally include some or all of the features described above, such as guide rails for holding the screen cleaning wiper to a path and a latch for maintaining pressure between the wiper and the screen of the device in the book-style case.

As an alternative to the manually operated screen cleaning movement assemblies described above, another embodiment of the invention uses an electric motor, solenoid, or other actuator to move the screen cleaning wiper across the screen. The electrical power source for the electric motor, such as a battery, may be located in the case or provided by the device itself.

In a further embodiment, the pull tab may be integrated with a closing strap and latch for securing the book-style case in the closed configuration. For , a user may extend a closing strap from the case. This closing strap actuates the movement assembly and moves the screen cleaning wiper from the rest position across the screen of the device. The user may then secure the closing strap in the extended position using a latch, clasp, snap, buckle, or other attachment system. When the closing strap is secured, the book-style case is held in the closed configuration. For , the closing strap may be located in the front cover of the case and the attachment system may be located on the back cover of the case, or vice-versa. When the user releases the closing strap from the attachment system, the force of the return spring or elastic cord moves the screen cleaning wiper back to its rest position. Simultaneously, the closing strap is at least partially retracted into the case.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate screen cleaning wiper assemblies according to embodiments of the invention. FIG. 4A illustrates a first screen cleaning wiper assembly 400 according to an embodiment of the invention. The first screen cleaning wiper assembly 400 is adapted to be used without a cleaning fluid.

The first screen cleaning wiper assembly 400 includes a base 405 for attachment to the case and optionally a movement assembly, if included in the case. In further embodiment, the base 405 may be attached to the case via removable fasteners, such as snaps or hook-and-loop strips, enabling a user to remove the screen cleaning wiper from the case for cleaning or replacement.

In an embodiment, the base 405 is attached with a core 410 made of foam or other compliant material. The core 410 is adapted to modulate the amount of pressure applied to the device and to conform to the surface of the device at it cleans the screen. A cleaning fabric 415 covers the outside of the core. The cleaning fabric may be constructed of one or more layers of material adapted to absorb dirt, debris, oils, and/or other liquids. Polyester and/or polyamide microfiber fabrics are one example material suitable for use with embodiments of the invention.

In the example of FIG. 4A, the screen cleaning wiper assembly 400 includes a single “blade” or contact element. In other embodiments, screen cleaning wipers with multiple blades, optionally having different shapes and/or comprised of different materials, may be used. For , an alternate screen cleaning wiper can include one or more thin rubber blades for capturing large debris and one or more compliant microfiber blades for absorbing dirt and oils.

FIG. 4B illustrates a second screen cleaning wiper assembly 420 adapted to be used with a cleaning fluid according to an embodiment of the invention. The second screen cleaning wiper assembly 420 includes a base 425 for attachment to the case and optionally a movement assembly, if included in the case. In further embodiment, the base 425 may be attached to the case via removable fasteners, such as snaps or hook-and-loop strips, enabling a user to remove the screen cleaning wiper from the case for cleaning, replacement, and/or replenishment of cleaning fluid.

In an embodiment, the base 425 is attached to a reservoir 430 adapted to store cleaning fluid. In an embodiment, the reservoir 430 includes at least one inlet for adding or replenishing cleaning fluid and one or more outlets 435 for releasing cleaning fluid. In a embodiment, a core 440 including moisture absorbing material, such as a sponge, is connected with the outlets 435 of the reservoir. A cleaning fabric 445 covers the outside of the core 440. The core 440 is adapted to modulate the amount of pressure applied to the device, to conform to the surface of the device at it cleans the screen, to distributes the cleaning fluid over the surface of the screen, and to modulate the amount of cleaning fluid applied to the screen of the device.

In the example of FIG. 4B, the screen cleaning wiper assembly 420 includes a single “blade” or contact element. In other embodiments, screen cleaning wipers with multiple blades, optionally having different shapes and/or comprised of different materials, may be used. For , an alternate screen cleaning wiper can include one or more sponge blades for applying cleaning fluid, one or more compliant microfiber blades for absorbing dirt and oils, and one or more one or more thin rubber blades for capturing large debris and removing excess solution from the screen.

In a further embodiment, the reservoir is comprised of a compliant material. The spacing between the inside surface of the case and the device is designed such that the reservoir 430 is squeezed and deformed at least slightly as the wiper travels across the screen of the device. This deformation supplies pressure to the cleaning fluid in the reservoir 430 and causes some cleaning fluid to be released and applied to the screen of the device. In an alternate embodiment, a user may squeeze the reservoir 430 to manually apply cleaning fluid to the screen of the device.

In still a further embodiment, the reservoir outlets 435 include valves for preventing the release of cleaning fluid when the screen cleaning wiper is in the rest position. For , the outlets 435 may be comprised of a flexible material, such as flexible plastic tubing. In this , the outlets 435 may be physically squeezed closed by a structure on the case when the wiper is in the rest position.

FIG. 4C illustrates a third screen cleaning wiper assembly 450 adapted to be used with a cleaning fluid according to an embodiment of the invention. The third screen cleaning wiper assembly 450 includes a base 455 for attachment to the case body 457 and a movement assembly. In further embodiment, the base 455 may be attached to the case body 457 via removable fasteners, such as snaps or hook-and-loop strips, enabling a user to remove the screen cleaning wiper from the case for cleaning, replacement, and/or replenishment of cleaning fluid.

In an embodiment, the base 455 is attached to a reservoir 460 adapted to store cleaning fluid. In an embodiment, the reservoir 460 includes at least one inlet for adding or replenishing cleaning fluid and one or more outlets 465 for releasing cleaning fluid. In a embodiment, a core 470 including moisture absorbing material, such as a sponge, is connected with the outlets 465 of the reservoir 460. A cleaning fabric 475 covers the outside of the core 470. The core 470 is adapted to modulate the amount of pressure applied to the device, to conform to the surface of the device at it cleans the screen, to distributes the cleaning fluid over the surface of the screen, and to modulate the amount of cleaning fluid applied to the screen of the device.

In this embodiment, one or more magnets 480 are located in the case body 457 near the rest position of the wiper may attract at least one sliding ferromagnetic plug 485 in the wiper reservoir 460. When the wiper is in the rest position, the magnet 480 causes the plug 485 to seal the reservoir outlet, so that no cleaning fluid can escape. As the wiper is moved away from the magnet 480 in the case, the plug 485 is no longer held against the reservoir outlet 465 and cleaning fluid is permitted to exit the reservoir 460 to be applied to the screen of the device. This is illustrated by FIG. 4C.

In an additional embodiment, the screen cleaning wiper may be coupled with a source of mechanical vibration, such as an electric motor and offset counterweight or a piezoelectric actuator, to enhance its cleaning action. In this embodiment, the source of vibration may be activated as the screen cleaning wiper moves relative to the screen of the device. For , in the sleeve-style case, a motion or contact sensor may trigger the wiper vibration when the device slides into or out of the case. In an example book-style case, the pull tab may be coupled with a switch to trigger the wiper vibration as the wiper is moved across the screen of the device.

Further embodiments can be envisioned to one of ordinary skill in the art. In other embodiments, combinations or sub-combinations of the above disclosed invention can be advantageously made. The block diagrams of the architecture and flow charts are grouped for ease of understanding. However it should be understood that combinations of blocks, additions of new blocks, re-arrangement of blocks, and the like are contemplated in alternative embodiments of the present invention.

The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereunto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. 

1. A case for an electronic device, the case comprising: a case including at least a front cover adapted to cover at least one screen of an electronic device, the front cover including an outer surface and an inner surface; and a wiper attached to the inner surface and adapted to at least temporarily contact at least a portion of the screen of the electronic device.
 2. The case of claim 1, wherein the case includes an opening for inserting and removing the electronic device, wherein the wiper is located in proximity to the opening such that at least the portion of the screen of the electronic device moves over and in contact with the wiper as the electronic device is inserted or removed from the case.
 3. The case of claim 1, wherein the case includes a hinge connected with the front cover, wherein the hinge enables the front cover including the wiper to be moved away from the portion of the screen to expose the portion of the screen and to be moved towards the portion of the screen to place the wiper in proximity to the portion of the screen.
 4. The case of claim 1, wherein the front cover includes a mechanism adapted to move the wiper over the portion of the screen while in contact with the portion of the screen.
 5. The case of claim 4, wherein the mechanism is manually actuated.
 6. The case of claim 5, wherein the mechanism includes a manually-actuated tab.
 7. The case of claim 6, wherein the tab is connected with the wiper.
 8. The case of claim 7, wherein the tab extends from the inside surface to the outside surface through the front cover.
 9. The case of claim 4, wherein the mechanism includes a wiper return actuator having a component with elasticity.
 10. The case of claim 6, wherein the mechanism moves the wiper a first distance when the tab is moved over a second distance less than the first distance.
 11. The case of claim 4, wherein the mechanism is electrically actuated.
 12. The case of claim 1, wherein the wiper includes a deformable material adapted to conform to a shape of the electronic device as the wiper moves relative to the portion of the screen.
 13. The case of claim 1, wherein the wiper includes a fabric cleaning surface.
 14. The case of claim 1, wherein the wiper includes a reservoir adapted to dispense cleaning fluid to the portion of the screen.
 15. The case of claim 14, wherein the reservoir includes a valve adapted to control the dispensation of the cleaning fluid.
 16. The case of claim 1, wherein the case includes a back cover adapted to contact a portion of the electronic device opposite to the portion of the screen.
 17. The case of claim 1, wherein the case is a sleeve-style case.
 18. The case of claim 1, wherein the case is a book-style case.
 19. The case of claim 1, wherein the front cover includes a latch adapted to apply maintain pressure between the wiper and the portion of the screen as the wiper is moved relative to and in contact with the screen.
 20. The case of claim 1, wherein the wiper includes at least one blade adapted to absorb dirt or oil from the portion of the screen. 